Rent covers mortgage - who owns negative equity?

Thank you all for posts.
By way of update - I sent a solicitors letter to ex stating that his non payment since 09 has resulted in him forfeiting any rights to the property and I was applying to Bank to remove him from mortgage and he will then agree to transfer ownership to me. I was very surprised to get his response agreeing to this, provided Bank agree to redeem current joint mortgage and replace with just me - so one problem down. now to tackle the Bank...!
I've spent a frustrating couple of afternoons being passed around the Bank and basically I need to complete a financial statement with my proposal to kick off the process and have meeting with mortgage advisor.
Although this must be a common issue they deal with every day, it is proving impossible to get through to someone who can/wants to help.

I have already confirmed with Bank that I do not qualify for the mortgage on my salary (over €100k short). On the plus side, I have long-term renters (family) who are willing to guarantee/provide security as they see the house as their family home. My husband has good job etc but we don't want to tie him up in this as our own home mortgage is in his name already.
Ive called MABS, New Beginning and Irish Mortgage holders assoc and none can assist as they only help in arrears situation so looks like ill have to negotiate on my own with Bank.

while Ive taken a positive step with the legals, I have a sense of dread in dealing with Bank.. although Im going to negotiate as hard as I can to get something - extend loan term, warehouse negative equity, get guarantor..

what do you think my chances are with Bank?

MableQ said:

Although this must be a common issue they deal with every day, it is proving impossible to get through to someone who can/wants to help.

Click to expand...

I had a similar experience with the bank (PTSB). I was told that the mortgage department don't do meetings etc. What worked for me in the end was making an appointment with my local branch manager (doesn't have to be where you have your account just a local branch) and at least that is a person you can meet face-to-face. The bank manager then wrote to the mortgage department on my behalf. Double check what they are putting in the letter though, my guy put that I was willing to give up the tracker on my top-up in exchange for taking ex's name off - I had said nothing of the sort and made him take that sentence out!

I was told they wouldn't change from 2 names to 1 unless I came up with lump sum to pay off the neg eq.
Any chance you could get a loan from credit union/family or your husband could get a loan?
You're right to negotiate it is always worth a shot!
In terms of getting people in the bank to speak to you as long as mortgage is being paid they're not interested in speaking to you. Let it fall into arrears for a month or two and you'll be amazed - they'll be contacting you all of a sudden and there will be people who will be willing to meet to discuss options!